How to Make Luminaries for 4 July

Luminaries for July 4 are a wonderful way to bring a festive atmosphere and add a bit of light to walkways or rock gardens this summer. Children can make luminaries as long as there is an adult present, they are easy to prepare and a delight to watch.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Twelve small brown paper bags
• Twelve small tea candles
• 6 cups of play sand
• Star stencils
• Pencil
• Craft knife or paper scissors
• Little colored star stickers
• Glitter pen or markers

1. Draw stars on each of the paper bags using the stencil. Make sure to keep the stars on the upper part of the paper bag. Using the craft knife or scissors cut out the stars taking care not to cut the sides of the bags.

2. Write Happy July 4 on the bags with the glitter pen or markers to add a decorative touch for daylight viewing. Using the colored star stickers, add several of them on each bag.

3. Fill each bag with half a cup of the sand, and shake the bag a bit to make the sand spread out. Set one tea candle in each bag. Set the bag aside on a level surface. Cleaned the walk where the luminaries will be displayed.

4. Prepare the area where the luminaries will be. This can be an area of a sidewalk or a rock garden. Just make sure they are set out of the immediate area where they might be knocked over.

5. Begin setting the luminaries so that they are ready to light as the last of the light disappears from the sky at nightfall. Go ahead and light the tea candle within the bag, and enjoy the flicking romance of the luminaries as you watch fireworks or enjoy a relaxing night with loved ones.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure these luminaries are set on a flat surface so they do not tip over and start a fire.

[ChantelAlise]

on 6/2/2008 Fun ideas!